My kid has applied to 5 places EA and 1 RD (submitted), and has heard one EA decision already (in-state non-flagship but great option - yay!), but I am concerned that this one acceptance is from the only “likely” on the list and that the other two that we’d considered “fit” are actually “reaches” given recent trends in the # of applicants and the rest that we knew were “reaches” are out of the question. I think that it will be fine if this one school ends up being the only option (kid is not super communicative about this topic and we’re trying not to put too much pressure).
Kid wants larger university in Mid-Atlantic/Southeast (not too cold) with good school spirit. GPA 3.45 UW, 3.9W, lots of APs (mostly 4s and 5s, DE classes, 3 sport varsity athlete for 4 yrs, captain and some other awards, part-time job. Not much else in way of ECs. Mid 1400s SAT. Not sure what field of study though maybe business or CS. Probably not super heavy on Greek life or too conservative a student body.
Applied to Tennessee (OOS), UNC-Chapel Hill (OOS, legacy), NCSU (OOS), UVA (in-state), W&M (in-state). Submitted test scores.
Thoughts on where else (whether?) to submit RD applications? (if we can convince …)
So I don’t have full context - test, etc. but I’ll take a guess of Yes to TN, no to UNC, UVA, W&M and depending on the major to NCSU.
I would not harp on the too conservative student body. My kid was at Bama and they show up on every list and he’s like why - there’s LGBTQ PDA, there’s no rallies or signs. Kids go to class, go to football, probably get drunk. I think a lot of that is overplayed.
So I don’t know deadlines - I’ll let you research and you have a variety of school sizes.
If you like NC, why not UNCW? I’ll leave off App State because it snows 
James Madison for your Virginia connection - not sure where you live - sorry.
If you like the Carolinas, why not College of Charleston and Coastal Carolina. These aren’t the flagships but they’re mid size (you have W&M) and they both attract heavy OOS crowds. One person told me Coastal sets their tuition where they to to bring in kids who pay more in state.
So those come to mind. Marshall is another mid size but will be more regional. UAH is another.
As far as the largest schools - is Delaware too cold? If you have UTK, why not UK or Louisville? Arkansas is another that’s gorgeous and a gem. You get a lot of Texans there. In state to TN, UTC will fit with some sports - and kids who go love it.
Ms State isn’t overly huge, a nice campus, and you’d be fine - but not sure how big the Greek presence will be.
Honestly, I wouldn’t worry about the political climate - but that’s me. It’s overplayed. But if you believe in it, then why would one apply to UTK? Heavy greek too!!!
Best of luck.
Has your kid looked at Virginia Tech? It has great school spirit and seems to check a lot of your boxes, and as CS is on the table, I’d think about it.
I know a number of folks on the boards here were really impressed when they visited it.
Yes - it is the one other school that is at least on the spreadsheet… It’s been increasingly difficult to get into of late though - but yes, it’s a gorgeous campus and great school.
Thanks - we’ll look into Kentucky and some of the other Carolina schools. (App State was considered and decide against)
I didn’t see CS (missed it) but given your list of schools which was from small/mid to large but not gargantuan, I left Va Tech off.
But yes, it’s the nicest large campus in America (IMHO). But it’ll be a bit of a stretch for a STEM but possible.
I was looking for gimmes for your student - but without knowing deadlines.
If the student likes hockey and for CS, UAH would be great - and jobs galore for after school as it’s in a job mecca. UT Chatt is increasingly in state kids #1 choice (the city is right there and very nice) and even Tn Tech (if CS) - both have D1 hoops and 1AA football.
I’m glad that we will hear about Tennessee soon, as I think that decision will give a good read on where things are and there will still be time to apply RD to a few additional places if desired.
VCU has nice merit and ticks many boxes! James Madison? University of South Carolina?
Unsure how dominant Greek life is, but have you considered Elon? Seems to have a very good undergrad business school and its reputation seems to be on the rise.
These have been considered too, and VCU is on the parental list, though possibly too close to home / too many kids from the HS
I have heard UNC Charlotte has a good Cybersecurity program (I think I read that somewhere, I don’t know for sure). We have a friend there who is enjoying it.
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